Chicago shopping/site info

[NukeMeSlowly]

Greetings,

I am attending a conference in Chicago at the end of February and I would welcome some advice from knowledgeable locals. I am staying at the Hilton Chicago (720 South Michigan). Is there anything of note shopping (bargain to high end) and/or attraction wise in walking distance, short distance cab ride, or via accessible public transportation? For example, would a visit to Optimo hats be a short trip or an odyssey?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[JR88]

Chicago is a city built for cars. A cab (or bus straight up Michigan Ave.) will be your best bet from your hotel. North Michigan Avenue between, say, 450 N. and 950 N., is the hub of fashion in Chicago, with some worthwhile spokes emanating therefrom. Try Oak St. (east-west, ~950 N.) from Michigan to State. All the big dept stores (Saks, NM, Barneys, Nordstrom, Macys) are in this zone, as well as Marshall's, Filenes's Basement, and assorted boutiques (Zegna, Ferragamo, BR, JCrew, etc.)

North into Old Town and Lincoln Park you'll find some good stores, but you probably need a local to guide you, because they are scattered.

 

[DrIx]

Theres an oxxford location by appointment for tailored suits (i believe)

also, there are some pretty sweet vintage/resale shops off of division and clark

Barneys and saks are pretty nice

do some web searches like citysearch.com